Back to School shopping is no easy task for a mom like me. It usually involves several trips to get everything that’s on “the list”. Luckily, I live close to Brea Mall. There are 4 major department stores (JcPenney, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Sears) at Brea Mall plus pretty much any other specialty store you can think of, so you know you’re going to find what you need there. (including a Starbucks for yourself!)
It’s kind of funny to look at the fashion trends for back to school this year because they remind me of when was in high school! Lots of denim, including denim jackets and acid wash jeans, lace, plaids, chunky boots, preppy pieces, florals, and the best part is that they call a lot of it “vintage”.
Watch this hilarious clip about Moms and Back-to-School Shopping and see if you can relate?
Right now, Simon Malls, which includes Brea Mall, are having a “Throw Back to Back to School” contest. Here are the details:
Did you rock acid wash in the 80s? What about double denim before it was a trend again? Since there’s nothing we love more than a fashion flashback, we want to see your best back to school themed throwback photo from the 80’s and 90’s. To enter, just share your photo to Twitter or Instagram using #tbtbts and #contest for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card, plus a chance at our grand prize $5,000 shopping spree.You can also enter by commenting on your local Simon center’s Facebook contest post with your picture. Click here to go to the Brea Mall Facebook page contest.
Some of the shops we hit up for Back-to-School shopping at Brea Mall include:
Vans – Right now they have a bunch of Nintendo merchandise including hats and backpacks that coordinate with tennis shoes. My daughter loves Princess Peach and was all over their collection. Word on the street is they can’t keep these items in stock. I guess we lucked out the day we went shopping!
Gymboree – I adore the collections at Gymboree because they always feature several pieces that you can mix and match to create different outfits. My niece was excited about the sign featuring Disney Channel’s Sofia Carson, and highlighting some of her favorite Gymboree picks. Everything kitty cat and sparkly gold, including a headband with cat ears on it. I couldn’t resist buying it all for her! I also loved the superhero merchandise they had for both boys and girls, too! 
Crazy 8 – My favorite thing in this store was the entire wall in both the boys and girls area, dedicated to “8 day denim…wear every day + more!” How clever! That’s exactly up my own alley except it’s just way too tiny. I also found more lunchboxes and backpacks that were matching. They have a ton of cute clothes at Crazy 8 including lots of navy/khaki and white school uniforms, all at great prices.
Champs – Every kid needs tennis shoes. Some wear them every day as school shoes, some kids change into them for P.E. They have a huge selection of shoes in sizes ranging from toddler to adult. Champs also has t-shirts, shorts, workout wear, hats, athletic socks, and more. 
Lush – Although this isn’t a typical store for shopping for “Back to School”, my daughter will tell you differently and insist it’s a “necessity”! She said we needed to get her all stocked up on these beautiful bath bombs and soaps and handmade cosmetics. I can see why all the girls want to shop here on mall trips. It smells amazing inside the store! 
Hollister – You can find cute, trendy basics in here like denim jackets, t-shirts, skinny jeans, and cute summer tops. They also have shoes and purses. We’re so lucky to live in California and be able to dress like this pretty much year-round. 
Abercrombie – If you’re looking for “preppy” looks, this is the place to shop at. I found a lot of denim in here, as well as jackets, polos, and button-up shirts.
Charlotte Russe – The first thing that caught my daughter’s eye were the shoes! They had a big selection of the ankle boots that I used to wear. They also have a ton of denim choices and adorable tops and jackets. We found a lot of things to buy for school here. 
Claire’s – If you’re a “girl mom” you probably already know about Claire’s. It’s more than just the place to get your ears pierced, it’s the ultimate accessory shop. They have a huge selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, backpacks and purses, phone cases and holders, tablet covers, stickers, nail polishes and lip glosses and more! The girls were all over the sparkly pineapple accessories!
Well, as you can see, we had a lot of luck during our back to school shopping! Have you finished all of yours yet?
Connect with Brea Mall on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too.
Right now when you visit the Park, you get to experience the Old West town of Calico, in a whole new way during Ghost Town Alive! It’s an interactive experience and will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule, as you join in on the daily lives of the citizens of Calico and are treated like one of their own. 
Here are just some of the fun activities you’ll should do while visiting Ghost Town:
While you’re at Knott’s, you should also take a ride (or a few) on GhostRider, the longest, fastest and tallest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast. It was recently re-opened after an extensive renovation and I speak from experience when I say, you NEED to go on it! It’s way smoother to ride now and kept me screaming the entire time! Watch this video of me braving GhostRider, along with my friends from 
Connect with
The first 500 guests to attend the opening celebration will receive a free gift (*while supplies last). Guests will have an opportunity to meet Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in the lower level Macy’s court from noon to 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras. *Characters alternate every 30 minutes. Character appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
The easiest way to add the All Day Dining Plan is to 
Wouldn’t it be fun to spend an entire day at Knott’s, just eating every 90 minutes? Ok, I’m just joking. 
The All Day Dining Plan doesn’t include drinks but I need to share one of the best drink deals in the Park with you! You can purchase a 2016 Souvenir Bottle for only $14.99 and get free drink refills the entire day! It’s a great deal and we used it in between meals to carry around ice water, which they’d also refill for us. It’s almost always hot outside in Southern California so having the option to get a cold, icy drink constantly refilled was a life-saver. Also, if you purchase it online before your visit, it’s only $10.99! 
For more information about Knott’s All Day Dining Plan or general park information, go 
Admission is so reasonable, at just one low price of $17.95 per person, it includes a ton of rides & attractions. Here is a list of the rides:
Inside Adventure City, you can also visit the petting farm, go rock climbing, play in the arcade, and sing & dance along at the children’s theater. For more information about the rides and attractions, visit
My daughter loved having so many rides to choose from. I loved that I didn’t have to go on all of the rides with her, but could still sit in close proximity to keep an eye on her when she did. (I’m a total helicopter mom.) There are certain rides that I did enjoy. I never turn down a train ride and the Adventure City Express Train is a fun one because it circles the entire park.
If you’re hungry while you’re visiting Adventure City, you can visit Parker’s Fill-Up Station which offers pizza, sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, curly fries and more. There are also fun snacks like pretzels, churros, ICEEs, ice cream and even sliced apples with caramel swirled on top! 
I also noticed they offer birthday party packages at Adventure City. You can either choose the Party Station or the Party Treehouse. For more information about birthday party packages, go 
Adventure City is the perfect place to visit with your family or a group of friends. Connect with them on 
Enter to win my giveaway! I’m giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to Adventure City! Enter on the Rafflcopter below. I’ll pick one winner and tickets will be available for pickup in person at Adventure City Theme Park. Good luck and thank you for reading!
I can’t even tell you which part of it I’m most excited for because there is so much going on at the Resort during that time of year. Plus, it also begins the entire 
Mickey’s Halloween Party 
As you approach the security area, it can be a little congested at times. It’s always important to remember…you’re at The Happiest Place on Earth! Nowadays, these extra security measures are necessary. I’m actually glad that Disneyland Resort has done this. 
You should know that any bags will be checked, as well as strollers and wheelchairs. 
Once you get through the initial bag screening area, you’ll be going through a metal detector, similar to the ones at the airport. You’ll be asked to unload your pockets and place your belongings in a tray before walking through the machines. It seems that they’re currently doing this for all guests. 
There are things you can do to help speed up the security process for yourself and others around you. As someone who’s been through the lines recently, on a few different “busy days”, I am speaking from experience here. (These are just some of my own tips.) 
First, prior to entering the bag check area, be prepared by already by having your backpack, satchel, and/or purse open for the Cast Members to search. This really helps to keep the line flowing. No one wants to wait extra time while you are asked to remove your bag and open it when you could already be ready. 
Second, avoid carrying items on the prohibited list. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve seen with “selfie sticks”. They’re on the prohibited list and have been for a while. I’ve even seen this on the news. I’ve also seen guests try to negotiate to be able to bring theirs in with them still. Just don’t! 
Third, have some extra patience when you’re in line. Sadly, I’ve also witnessed other guests acting in a grumpy manner and complaining to everyone around them. Did you know that positivity is contagious? 
Finally, consider actually thanking a Cast Member as you pass through these security areas. Thank them for working to keep you extra safe. Trust me, it’ll make their day!
I was invited to a media day at Knott’s a couple of weeks ago and I had the opportunity to experience all the fun! I actually can’t wait to go back again with my family! 
I think one of my most favorite parts about Ghost Town right now is the all-new interactive experience called Ghost Town Alive! Park guests get to step inside of this little Old West town and interact with the residents there. Whether it’s the Barbershop, The Sheriff’s Office, The Post Office, The Mayor’s Office at Calico Town Hall, or Goldie’s Place, you’ll be totally engaged with the people of Ghost Town. 
Just inside of Ghost Town, stands the tallest, longest and fastest wooden rollercoaster on the West Coast…GhostRider! GhostRider is a Knott’s fan favorite! After undergoing a recent resoration, GhostRider is now open with a complete wooden re-tracking of the entire 4,533 ft. long track. So, of course, I braved a ride on it myself with 
It was amazing! I mean, it was beyond scary, and she kept her eyes shut the entire time but it’s supposed to be scary right? Let me just add that the new cars and track are so smooth! You’re going to love it!
